Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Asparagus

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Asparagus

A quick, flavorful one-pan meal ready in about 25 minutes. Serves 4.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Vegetable

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken
   In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C).
   Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Asparagus
   In the same skillet, add asparagus. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
   Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
   Remove and set aside with the chicken.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
   Lower heat to medium-low. Add butter to the skillet.
   Once melted, stir in garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
   Stir in lemon juice.

5. Combine
   Return chicken and asparagus to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
   Sprinkle with parsley and cook another 1–2 minutes.

Optional Variations

• Add red pepper flakes for heat

• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese

• Add mushrooms or cherry tomatoes

• Serve over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice